Through the writings of novelists such as Charlotte Bronte, George Eliot, George Meredith and Thomas Hardy, Cohn examines themes like reverie, trance and sleep, all of which have a strong presence in 19th century Victorian novels. She asks questions like why Victorian novelists celebrated these experiences of “still life” and how the new styles they created affected processes of self cultivation and altered the novel form.

Cohn's current interests also include the history of neuroscience, animal studies and affect theory. Her essays have appeared in Contemporary Literature, Victorian Studies, the Journal of Victorian Culture and other publications.

Cohn will be holding a Chats in the Stacks book talk on Tuesday, February 23 to discuss Still Life. The event will be held at 4:30 pm in Olin Library, Room 107. Refreshments will be served and books will be available for purchase.